Stephen & Tabitha

Our People

The Wedding Website of Tabitha Manwaring and Stephen Lesce

Meet the "I Do" crew! By blood or sheer luck, below is our chosen community. We could not imagine the celebration of our love without these special people by our sides as we walk down the aisle and into our future together!

Stephen Lesce

Groom

Tabitha Manwaring

Bride

Michael Lesce

Best Man

The Groom's younger brother and favorite (and only) sibling. He's the one who made him into a brother. Steve's first memory is of visiting Mikey in the hospital the day after he was born. With a lifetime full of memories of his younger brother, being Mike's Best Man at his wedding in May of 2023 is one of Steve's top 3. Steve can't imagine Mike not standing by his side when he marries his person, the way Steve stood by Mike when he married his person, Brittany. He and his wife Brittany welcomed a baby girl in February 2024!

Kara Holland

Matron of Honor

Tabby's sister, the one that made her into a "Big Sister", partner in crime (mostly in building and running obstacle courses in the backyard), and one of the Bride's elite circle of best friends. The Bride used to joke that her parents could have stopped after her (as they achieved perfection) but is so happy to say that she was *SO* wrong. Kara is a hair stylist extraordinaire, the family peacekeeper, and the best Mom to Penelope and Amari, and her stepchildren Arianna and Little Ethan. She is funny, and witty, and brings her positive vibes everywhere she goes. Tabby is beyond excited to share this day with her and all the adventures in the future!

Matthew Alford

Best Man

The Groom's oldest friend, whom he's known more than half his life. The two first met when Steve showed up at Matt's dorm room at the beginning of their Freshman year of college and asked if he could move in. The rest is history. After more than 15+ years of friendship, a dozen apartments, and several different cities, Matthew has been Steve's counsel, his cheer squad, and his partner in crime. Steve couldn't imagine marrying the love of his life without Matt by his side. Steve considers it an honor and a privilege to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Matthew and some of the most important people in his life.

Ivy Manwaring

Maid of Honor

Tabby's youngest sister, earliest frenemy, and truly one of the Bride's best friends. The Bride and Ivy often butt heads when they were younger, both being headstrong and full of fire. While Ivy is small in stature, she's mighty. Her secret role is that of wedding security - so stay in line! lol Some of the Bride's fondest memories are of sharing her room with her little sis, connecting over a love of books, and chatting about all of life's problems big and small. Ivy is an amazing furr Mama to the Bride's cat-nephew, Domino and dog-nephew, Cooper. She has an incredible knack for sarcasm (inherited from Dad, no doubt), is witty, and has the biggest heart - just stay on her good side! ;) Tabby is beyond excited to share this day with her and all the future has to offer!

Joseph Harris

Groomsman

Friends for over a decade, Steve & Joe met at the rehearsal of a play the pair were in. Bonded over a shared love of Shakespeare and obscure comic book characters, Steve and Joe became fast friends. Eventually becoming roommates, and lived together for years. Countless cups of coffee, comic books, and subway rides later, making Joe a Groomsmen was an obvious choice for the Groom. It is a blessing to Steve to count Joe among his closest friends and a member of his bridal party.

Lisa Rogers

Bridesmaid

Tabby was introduced to Lisa through the Groom. Stevie described her with high praise, "she is the sister I've always wanted." As soon as the Bride met Lisa, she understood why. She quickly became a large part of the Bride's sisterhood. Lisa is the Mom to her and Blair's beautiful little girl, Sola, who both Bride and Groom think of as a niece. Lisa is the rare friend that makes you feel seen and heard 100%. Her friendship is invaluable to Tabby. Not only is Lisa such a bright soul, she is an amazing conversationalist, and objectively is one of the smartest people on the planet, having her Phd in Mathematics. The Bride is so excited that Lisa will be by her side as she marries the love of her life!

Michael Novo

Groomsman

Steve met Mike a decade ago at Steve's local comic book shop, where Mike was working at the time. At first, the two didn't like each other. After a few more interactions, the two quickly became simpatico. Since then, the pair have shared many meals, many conversations, and many opinions on movies, comics, and music. The two feel sometimes they share the same brain. Steve never thought he'd find someone who understood him the way Mike did until he met Tabby. Steve has dragged Mike back from Miami to be one of his Groomsmen, and he wouldn't have it any other way. It feels only right that Mike stands next to Steve on his wedding day. Steve considers it a privilege to have Mike by his side on his special day.

Brittany Lesce

Bridesmaid

Tabby's future sister-in-law and fast friend. From the moment the Bride met Brittany, she felt as though she had known her a long time. Brittany was so welcoming! She lights up a room, has a brilliant smile, and is warm-hearted. Brittany is the furr-mama to Hank and Charlie, the Bride and Groom's furr-nephews. She is the life of the party and the Bride hopes to see her cutting up the dancefloor like she did at her wedding to the Best Man, Michael Lesce, in Spring 2023. She and her husband Michael are welcomed a baby girl in February 2024!

Amari Holland

Ring Bearer

The cutest Ring Bearer in the game. What he lacks in motor skills he makes up in cheeks! This kid will steal your heart. Keep an eye out for him on the dance floor, cause he loves to move! Steve can't wait to officially be Amari's uncle.

Penelope Holland

Flower Girl

Tabby's niece and one of her favorite people in the world. Penelope is intelligent beyond her years, full of charisma, and sass. She has an amazing personality! (<--Tab promises this is not just bias as she reminds her so much of herself as a girl) Both the Bride and Groom look forward to seeing how Penelope shows her personality in her role as Flower Girl.

Stephen Lesce

Father of the Groom

Perpetually late, but always with a smile, The Groom has known his father his entire life (lol) Lovingly referred to as "Big Steve" by friends and family, Stephen has always shown support, love, and compassion to his children and their people. Always in the mood for a good talk, the 6'4" Father of the Groom can easily be spotted at the center of a lively discussion. Big Steve is smart, insightful, and endlessly curious (traits the Groom considers some of his own finest qualities). Steve's love of music, art, theater, and other forms of artistic expression comes from Stephen. Some of the Groom's best memories are listening to Don McLean, Jim Croce, & Chicago in the car while driving on the long New Jersey highways. Stephen can't wait to take his grandchildren to the race track one day.

Peter Manwaring

Father of the Bride

To say that Tabby is a Daddy's girl is an understatement. Growing up, the Bride wanted nothing more than to spend time with her Dad. Tabby's fondest memories involve waking up early, hitting up 7-11 (the go-to a Hawaiian Punch and buttered roll). They'd head out conch-ing and inevitably Tabby would fall asleep curled up in the bow (she would still get paid her Quarter a bushel for helping, though...haha). Pete is a Jack-of-all-Trades, the smartest man the Bride knows, and probably the most sarcastic person you could meet. He is responsible for Tabby's love of music (driving down Humpty-Dumpty road blasting the stereo was nearly a nightly ritual). Tabby is looking forward to him escorting her down the aisle, their Father-Daughter dance, and watching her Daddy cut a rug!

Yvonne Ramirez

Mother of the Groom

Warm, wise, and generous, Yvonne holds a special place in Steve’s heart. Yvonne has worked hard her entire life to provide a good life for her family. There is nothing she would not do for her children. With a big hug, Yvonne has counseled The Groom through some of the most difficult moments in his life. However, the easiest decision of his life, needed no counsel at all, asking Tabby to marry him. Yvonne loves life and finds purpose in her work, attributes The Groom strives to embody every day. Never short of passion, Yvonne shares her life freely and with the utmost love and respect for those around her.

Mary Rocco

Mother of the Bride

If you ever wonder where the Bride got her flair for the dramatic, look no further than her mother!!! When the Bride's mother walks into a room her presence is known. With her flair for drama and magnetism, it is no wonder Mary knows how to throw a great holiday party. It is the over-the-top nature of holidays with Tabby's Mom that make them some of the Bride's most treasured memories. Chief among them is how Mary decorates for Christmas (yes, even the bathrooms get those colored twinkly lights and glistening decorations). The decorations are only outdone by the annual Christmas Eve party which is when you can find the Bride tying-one-on with her Mom, sisters, and closest cousins. The bride looks forward to getting ready with her Mom and celebrating this day full of love with her!

Sally Manwaring

Bonus Mother of the Bride

The bride's Stepmother and official Bonus Mother of the Bride joined the adventure when Tabby was nearly 10 years old. The Bride's introduction to Sally was quite memorable. Upon instruction from her Dad (the Bride swears her Dad told her to push her in, her Dad maintains to this day he said to jump in near her and get her wet), Tabby pushed a fully-clothed Sally into her Aunt's inground pool. Once Sally pulled herself from the pool her Dad asked Tabby if she'd like to meet his girlfriend and then introduced the two officially! Luckily, the relationship recovered from this early hiccup. Some of Tabby's fondest memories are of being picked up from school to get Slurpees on the first hot day of the school year and heading to the beach before going home; being allowed to have a snow day when the school refused to call it; and being taught how to do her make-up. The Bride looks forward to getting ready with her BMOB and celebrating this exciting day with her!

Mona

Pup of Honor

Unfortunately, Mona crossed the Rainbow Bridge shortly after Thanksgiving. We don't have the heart to change her description and she will always be our Pup of Honor. ============================================================= If she were to attend, Mona's duties would include barking through the entire ceremony (she needs to be the center of attention), scamming everyone out of every morsel of food she could, and running from one end of the venue to the other barking louder than most large dogs! In recognition of Mona and all she does for her little family the Bride and Groom needed to include her on the website. After all, she even made an appearance on their first date!